3í3$ THE POWERS AND CONTESTS OF FLESH AND SP1RP7. Question IV. Whether all persons are equally -defiled with original sin ? Answer. We must here distinguish between the guilt of sin belonging to the person, and the power of sin that is in the nature. Now whatsoever guilt is derived to any person from Adam, by communion with him in his first apostasy, the same is derived to all the posterity ; noris this the thing . thatis"doubted or enquired here. But as to the power of sin in the nature, it is evident, that there are not the same degrees of sinful propensity, vicious appetite, and passion, in the bodies of all, even from their very birth and infancy. The constitution of . arimál or fleshly nature in some, is much more stillen or greedy, more wanton or peevish, more slothful, or proud and haughty, than it is in others, according to the various. mixture of the blood and humours, and the dif erentrfer- ments that arise thence; whereby the soul is early im- pressed and governed, and habituated to particular vices: betimes. Though we are all " conceived in sin, and shapen in iniquity ;" Ps. 7i. 5. yet there are some who are empha- tically wicked in their very constitutions, who are more remarkably estranged to all that is good from the womb, " and go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies ;" Ps. lviii. 3. Whereby the psalmist may seem to intimate that some persons have wickedness more eminently run- ning through their families ; they are born and bred utter strangers to God, honesty, and goodness : and they have a sort of craft and knavishness mingled with their temper, that they practise lying as soon as they can. speak, It is evident enough to the observation of every man, that some persons are of a more temperate, more chaste, more modest, more friendly and kind disposition, even in animal nature ; they are more plain- hearted, and of a more honest' and sincere make from their very infancy; they have more of the dove and of the lamb in them, than of the fox, the bear, or the lion ; and the soul is not led astray to the practice of the contrary vices, either so far, or so early, as those who, perhaps, from their immediate parents, have received flesh and blood more tainted with
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